As one of the 5.6 million Americans living with limb loss and limb difference (LL/LD), I’m passionate about advocating for access to prosthetic and orthotic devices for physical activity, which are not typically covered by commercial insurance or Medicaid plans despite the known health benefits to mind, body and spirit. I’m lucky to be participating in a grassroots initiative sweeping the nation called So Every BODY Can Move. 

We believe access to physical activity is a right, not a privilege. With the support of bill champion, Mathew Muratore, H4096 was introduced last summer and has gained numerous co-sponsors including state Senator Jo Comerford and state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa. The bill would require MassHealth and commercial plans to cover orthotics and prosthetics for physical activity and currently sits with the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, which has until May 4 to make a decision to improve the lives of up to 44,000 LL/LD people living in the state.

Our recent request to proclaim April Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month was granted this year by Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. You can lend your support to H4096 by sending a message directly to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing here: https://p2a.co/aeq7NJA.

Maggie Baumer, legislative director of Massachusetts Society of Orthotics and Prosthetics

Northampton